Mitchell Leff, Getty Images
Mallory Pugh #2 of the United States controls the ball against Colombia at Talen Energy Stadium on April 10, 2016 in Chester, Pa. 
Getting your player ready...
Former Mountain Vista High School soccer sensation Mallory Pugh, a rising star for the U.S. women’s national team, made her historic professional debut Saturday with the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League.
In a 1-0 loss to FC Kansas City, Pugh, 19, came off the bench in the 54th minute to become the youngest American and third-youngest player in NWSL history. She recently joined the Spirit after leaving UCLA.
The Spirit (1-4-1) plays next on Saturday at Kansas City.
![Paxten Aaronson #10 of the Colorado Rapids] controls the ball in the second half during a match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on August 19, 2026 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)](/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/GettyImages-2291591540.jpg?w=525 "Colorado Rapids v Los Angeles Football Club")
